Even if you’re serious about estate planning and making sure you have everything in order, there’s no guarantee that a mistake won’t creep into view at some point. It’s important that you do your best to avoid potential mistakes, as this will give both you and your family greater peace of mind.
Here are some of the most common estate planning mistakes:
- Thinking it’s okay to ignore it: No, you don’t have to create an estate plan, but you’re taking a big risk by ignoring the importance of doing so.
- Forgetting to update your estate plan: There are times when you need to make changes, such as if you go through a divorce, get married or have a child.
- Neglecting to plan for disability: Your estate plan doesn’t just come into play when you pass on. It can also protect you in the event of a disability, such as one related to a serious illness or injury.
- Choosing the wrong executor or trustee: Choosing an executor is a big decision that requires great attention to detail. If you choose the wrong person, they could have bad intentions when it comes time to tackle the probate process or administer your trust.
- Forgetting to name a guardian for your children: You don’t want just anyone to care for your children should you pass away before they reach age 18. When you name a guardian, you know the right person will step in to care for them.
Since you could easily make one of these mistakes, you should never hesitate to review your estate plan. When doing so, pay close attention to what’s best for you, as well as any laws that impact the decisions you make.
